This article is from page 14 of the 2007-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
JUNIOR minister Tony Killeen has joined the chorus of disapproval at plans to construct a five-storey apart- ment block overlooking the prom in Lahinch.
Lahinch Community Council and residents from across the seaside resort have expressed their opposi- tion to plans by Seamus Carroll to develop a €3 million complex that involves demolishing the existing McDonald’s amusement arcade. He wishes to construct a_ five-storey building including 20 apartments, 18 duplex units and six ground-floor retail units.
Now, in a written representation to the council’s planning department, Minister Killeen states that he shares many of the residents’ concerns in relation to the height and design of the proposed structure.
“The proposed development would appear to be premature and in con- flict with the provisions of the Clare County Development Plan,” he said.
Local businessman, Donogh O’Loughlin, in a personal objection states, “The proposed development of an apartment block of such mass
and bulk is not in keeping with the character of Lahinch, a unique sea- side village in the west of Ireland… Such parking facilities are entirely inappropriate given the proposed size and location of the building.”
Businessman Austin Slattery has also expressed his opposition to the proposal.
“The proposed development of 36 apartments is, given its scale and size, entirely inappropriate for La- hinch prom. It is, in my opinion, an overdevelopment of the site,” he stated. Mr Slattery said that existing car-parking was inadequate to cope with a development of this size.
“The existing water and sewerage facilities in Lahinch are unable to cope with the demands placed on them at present. The proposed devel- opment will generate considerable additional traffic and the road infra- structure and parking facilities are unable to cope with traffic generated in Lahinch.”
Mr Slattery added that “the design, scope and scale of the development is totally inappropriate to a seaside resort on the west coast of Ireland”.
A decision is due on the application later this month.